Dante and Jesus Compared

Paper Summary:

Dante's "The Divine Comedy" and the "Gospel of John" are two texts that emphasize the way to heaven. This paper shows how Dante takes us on an imaginary journey through hell, which is filled with vivid images and characters. These images are tools that Dante is using to convince us that hell is not a place that we want to end up--especially forever. The paper also shows how the "Gospel of John" is persuading us to turn to heaven by recognizing who Jesus is. According to John, this is the only way that mankind can reach heaven.

From the Paper:

"John was a disciple of Jesus and the brother of James. Critics believe that John was the youngest son of Zebedee. John probably grew up like most Jewish children and when he grew up, he "followed the occupation of a fisherman on the lake of Galilee" (Bryant 349). Bryant maintains that the disciple John was heavily influenced by John the Baptist, who began his public ministry in Judea. When the disciple John heard John the Baptist say, "Behold the Lamb of God," (349), he immediately became a disciple and "ranked among his followers" (349). After this occasion, John and his brother returned to fishing until Jesus called them. After this calling, John and James "'left all and permanently attached themselves to the company" (349) of Jesus. John became one of the innermost circle and he was a disciple whom Jesus loved. John and Peter were the only two that followed Jesus after Judas' betrayal. The other disciples fled in fear. At Jesus' trial, John was the disciple that followed Jesus into the council chamber and the praetorium. John was also present when Jesus was crucified. In addition, after the crucifixion, Jesus appeared to John and Peter frequently."

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